The Waimakariri River is one of the largest and best examples of braided river habitat in New Zealand. This relatively unmodified fluctuating flow regime has been of critical importance in keeping large areas of the river bed free of invasive weeds, thereby preserving habitat for breeding populations of several threatened native bird species.
With each braided river usually containing its own distinctive invertebrate and fish communities, the Waimakariri River contributes hugely to this region’s biodiversity.
The Waimakariri River is an important breeding ground for several species of native birds, and adjacent riparian wetlands support swamp birds, waterfowl and bush birds. Some of the largest riparian wetlands remaining in the Canterbury region can be found along the Waimakariri River.
A significant number of endangered plants with their associated insect life, can be found along the Waimak. Although much of the area earmarked for the Waimakariri River Regional Park is dominated by introduced grass, shrub and tree species, in some places the Park’s pin and willow forests support an abundance of native plant species under the exotic canopy. The Park also still contains some kowhai woodland habitats.